February 24th, 2017, Dr. Stan, Howard and Hector visited Sarina’s (25 High St., Queensbury, Bradford BD13 2PE) en route to a day in the hostelries of Halifax. One year later, a repeat. The Mutton Handi at Sarina’s is an ideal prelude to any day, and being on the bus route between Bradford and Halifax simplifies the logistics. Well it would if the Bus Driver issued the ticket asked for.
As is required with the Mutton Handi, forty eight hours notice was given for its preparation. In reality Sarina knew weeks ago that Hector was due, it was a matter of how many more. Three Large Portions of Mutton Handi (£7.95) was communicated.
We arrived off Bus 576 moments after Noon, Lorraine was out front to greet us – Hugs! Sarina became aware of our presence, more – Hugs!
This is not yer normal Curry House.
We had the place to ourselves until the ever-present customer turned up on child minding duties. The Order was given, Shami Kebab (£2.20) all round and three Large Portions please and six Chapattis (50p). Lorraine had been expecting Marg to be present today:
She is working – I said to Lorraine – do you know what that is? Howard had to point out that of the three Diners, he is the only one of us not retired, his day will come, surely?
The Shami Kebab arrived, two each with a small jug of Raita. We were immediately offered the – Desi – Sauce, a bowl of this was more practical.
Fresh, Spicy, Refreshing – was noted. Howard is immortalised thus:
That wasn’t too shabby.
Samantha was also present today, she and Lorraine assembled the Main Event. A Large Bowl to share was set before us. As with my last visit in October I knew that two of us could have devoured this. Sarina really needs to look at the Yadgar (Glasgow) pages on this humble Blog to appreciate the Quantity we seek. Do I ask for six separate portions next time?
Glasgow has Yadgar, Karahi Palace and Ambala Deli Bar, the three establishments serving Curry one could identify in a blind tasting. Athena (Hellas/Greece) has Pak Taka Tak and Manchester has Dera. Bradford Curry tends to taste like – Bradford Curry, the main reason for coming. Here in the Hinterland we have something Truly Outstanding. Sarina’s Mutton Handi could be picked out from any of the aforementioned and leaves the Curry Houses of the City of Bradford behind. This is quite simply one of the Best Curry Experiences one will encounter.
The Mutton was Soft, Tender and having been prepared in advance had absorbed the Spices and Herbs, no Big Pot here. The Marrow in the Bones adds so much more to the Overall Flavour, today we had Sucky Bones, Ribs, even Chops. The Masala was decidedly Thinner than the Bradford norm, not a criticism. Anything that tastes this good…
The Spice Level was Medium as asked for, in no way should the Flavour be compromised by over-Spicing this Wondrous Curry. Seasoning is all, this was at the – Brave – end of the Scale. I could see – micro-pieces – of Herb in the Masala, there was Methi here, plus, … Sarina has told us what she puts in her Curry, knowing does not mean one can replicate. Why would one wish to? A visit to Queensbury is the highlight of any trip to Bradford.
We had each taken a Modest Portion to start us off, then shared out the ever diminishing remnants. We could have eaten twice as much, even more.
I’d forgotten how good this is – remarked Howard early on. At the end I extracted quotes from Howard and the Good Doctor:
Howard:
Superb flavour from the Lamb and the sauce, subtle, but with great depth.
Superb.
Dr. Stan:
I wouldn’t want it any hotter, just enjoy the spice.
The Bill
£23.55. The Chapattis and Kebabs came to £9.60 and so I do not know where this total came from. Lorraine said something like – £12.00 for the Curry. We should have been charged more. We want to be charged more! Supply us with double and charge us accordingly – Please!
The Aftermath
More Hugs! October is the next scheduled visit to Bradford. Of course, if there are any trips by car taking us near the M62 before then…
Back on the 576, a longer than expected wait, then two came together.